Hamburg  - Bundesliga side SV Hamburg will be seeking a swift appointment as coach to replace Ajax-bound Martin Jol, club officials said Wednesday.

Jol's surprise decision to leave Hamburg after just one season has left the German club looking for its seventh coach in 10 years.

Hamburg took their time - a total of 177 days - in choosing Jol, who succeeded fellow Dutchman Huub Stevens, but will be hoping to act quickly on a new appointment.

"It has to happen quickly because the new coach will have to bring his own ideas in (for next season)," supervisory board chairman Horst Becker told German Press Agency dpa.

It is expected the new man will be in charge before the resumption of training on July 3 at the latest.

Chairman Bernd Hoffmann said: "We now have the chance to plan early and set down pointers for the future.... The new coach can now have a direct influence on player planning."

Former Schalke coach Mirko Slomka has been mentioned in press reports as a possible successor.

Jol has signed a three-year contract as Ajax Amsterdam and reported disagreements with the Hamburg management over the future direction of the club.

The former Tottenham manager came to Hamburg last year and led them to fifth place in the Bundesliga and the semi-finals of the German cup and UEFA Cup.

Jol was reportedly unhappy that Hoffmann was allegedly not ready to strengthen the team with big transfers for the next season. (dpa)